Main navigation

How to Disable Encryption on Nexus 6 to Enable Lightning-Fast Performance

Encryption is great for privacy, right? With the Nexus 6 all of your data is automatically converted into indecipherable code for those who don’t possess the lock screen password key. At a point in time when I will probably have free credit monitoring for life because of all the compromised personal information companies have failed to protect—what’s not to love about this? What’s the problem?

Faster performance is being sacrificed by the method in which the Nexus 6 is encrypted. It’s not as though the hardware is capable—the SoC (stands for System on a Chip—think CPU, graphics card, memory card, and more rolled into one tiny chip) is impressive, the RAM is spacious enough, and it’s running on Lollipop. But the encryption slows the phone’s ability to read and/or write to storage to a crawl.

Since the release of Nexus 6, Google has quietly reversed its decision to require full-disk encryption (FDE) on new devices with Lollipop.

And what’s its reason?

Performance issues.

According to benchmark testing performed by Andantech, there may be a 60-80% decrease in read/write performance in phones with FDE. While this may not always be the case, it does seem reasonable to assume that the encryption does penalize performance to some degree.

Google did make some strides in addressing the issue with the release of the 5.1 update, but it still doesn’t allow you to turn encryption completely off. Thankfully, you are now able to get around it with a slightly modified boot image you can flash onto your device. It does require an unlocked bootloader. You will still be able to encrypt when you want to, but now it will be your choice instead of Nexus and Google’s. Read the following methods to learn how to disable forced encryption on Nexus 6.

Time: 15-25 Minutes

Method 1: Flash the Encryption-Disabled Boot Image to Your Nexus 6

Pay attention to the build number of your phone. The build of the download you install needs to match. Do not attempt this method on a low battery. This method utilizes ADB to disable Nexus 6 encryption.

Enable USB Debugging.

Go to “Device Information” from the Settings menu.

Tap “Build Number” several times (approximately seven times). A window should appear, verifying that the “Developer mode (is) enabled.” If you have already done this step previously, your phone will tell you it’s unnecessary.

You can accomplish this by going to “Settings” and tapping on “Developer Options.”

How did this work for you?

This method does not require ADB or a connection to your PC. In fact, you don’t need your computer at all. You can do everything from your Nexus 6. Flashing a boot image can cause damage if done incorrectly, so be careful. Avoid any interruptions to the process. Charge your phone to at least 75%. Now for Nexus 6 encryption disable.

How did this work for you?

Method 3: How to Keep Root and Disable Encryption after an Update

Updates can overwrite the progress you make when you disable encryption. Take the power back with this method. Battery should be 80% or greater. Continue reading to learn how you can disable forced encryption on Nexus 6 and maintain your root.

Turn off your Nexus 6.

We are going into Bootloader Mode.

Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.

This will turn your Nexus 6 back on.

When you see the Android Robot and Logo, press Volume Up and Power to access Bootloader Mode.

How did this work for you?

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to the question “How do I disable encryption on Nexus 6?” Method one can help you disable encryption even if your phone isn’t rooted. It does require a PC though. Method two does require root, but it can be done without a computer. Both methods will wipe your device, but all of the old encrypted data will be gone to make way for the new unencrypted data.

Think you are off the hook because your device is post Google-mandated default encryption? Think again. Google is at it again. There are already plans for Android 6.0 to require default encryption. Many of you may find yourselves needing a solution like one of these methods. But you already know how to disable Nexus 6 encryption Marshmallow.

Which method worked the best for you or what advice do you have on how to disable encryption on the Nexus 6? Have you noticed an increase in performance? Did you experience any issues during or after the disablement? Send us your thoughts on all of these topics.

I am guessing that those kernels will nto work with the 6.0.1 Marshmallow releases (MMB29S was the second 6.0.1 release for the N6, after which came the February and March Security releases:

6.0.1 (MMB29K)
6.0.1 (MMB29S)
6.0.1 (MMB29Q)
6.0.1 (MMB29V)

I’m looking into a way of doing this, but it looks like installing SuperSU right after installing a Factory image (can liveboot TWRP, doesn’t need to be installed) will allow you to disable the factory encryption. Again, not completely verified, I’m trying to make sure that this is a viable way to do it.

If anyone has found patched kernels for 6.0 / 6.0.1 that would be great.